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Abstract:

A resource monitoring system that includes at least one resource
monitoring device. The resource monitoring device is integrated in,
connected to and/or interconnected to at least one resource consuming
device. A remote monitoring location can optionally be provided to
receive information from one or more resource monitoring device and to
provide information concerning and/or related to at least one resource
consuming device.

Claims:

1-16. (canceled)

17. A resource monitoring system that includes a resource monitoring
device and a remote resource monitoring location, said resource
monitoring device including a circuit that is a) integrated in a resource
consuming device, said remote resource monitoring location in
communication with said resource monitoring device and providing
information to a user concerning a resource being consumed by said
resource consuming device, said resource monitoring device including a
transmitter that communicates with said remote resource monitoring
location a) wirelessly, b) via a wire or cable connection, c) via the
existing electrical wiring of a structure, or combinations thereof, said
resource consuming device is a household device that includes one or more
devices selected from the group consisting of an oven, a stove, a cooking
hood, a warming drawer, a food mixer, a food steamer, a juicer, a deep
fryer, a toaster, a toaster oven, a crock pot, a tea maker, a food
slicer, a popcorn maker, a fondue pot, an ice cream maker, a bread maker,
an electric grill, an electric skillet, a clothes iron, a clothes
steamer, a towel warmer, a sauna, a shower steamer, a heating light, an
electric can opener, a coffee grinder, a floor steamer, a floor cleaner,
a washing machine, a dryer, an air conditioner, a microwave, a coffee
maker, a dishwasher, a wine cooler, a refrigerator, a freezer, a cable
receiver, a satellite receiver, a wireless router, a heater, a fan, a
ceiling fan, a dehumidifier, an electric filter, a water bed heater, an
electric blanket, a chair massager, an electric massager, a hair dryer, a
hair curler, an electric shaver, a sprinkler system, a pool heater, a
pool water filling system, a security system, an outdoor water faucet, a
water heater, a bath tub, a Jacuzzi, a shower, a shower head, a sink
faucet, a Hot Spot water heater, an air purifier, a water purifier, an
ice maker, a blender, a food processor, a disposal, a compactor, a light,
a fireplace, a stereo, a TV, a toaster, a stove, an electric frying pan,
an outdoor grill, a dust buster, a vacuum cleaner, a printer, a
telephone, a game system, AV equipment, and a printer.

18. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 17, wherein said
resource monitoring device communicates with said remote resource
monitoring location a) wirelessly, b) via the existing electrical wiring
of a structure, or combinations thereof.

19. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 17, wherein said
resource monitoring device is designed to monitor electrical energy
consumption of said resource consuming device.

20. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 17, wherein said
remote resource monitoring location includes a computer and a computer
display, said computer including software that is designed to enable a
user to a) display information about said resource monitoring device, b)
display information about resources consumed by said resource consuming
device, or combinations thereof.

21. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 20, wherein said
remote resource monitoring location enables a user to access information
about said resource monitoring device, said resource consuming device, or
combinations thereof from a location that is remote from said resource
monitoring location, said resource monitoring device and said resource
consuming device.

22. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 20, wherein said
remote resource monitoring location is designed to a) access an external
database that contains rate information for at least one type of
resource, and b) process said rate information with information received
from said resource monitoring device to provide a user with information
about a cost of using said resource consuming device over a defined time
period.

23. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 20, wherein said
remote resource monitoring location is designed to access an external
database that contains device information about said resource consuming
device and a) display said device information to a user on said computer
display, b) process said device information and provide information to a
user regarding i) proper resource consumption by said resource monitoring
device, ii) improper resource consumption by said resource monitoring
device, iii) recall notices for said resource monitoring device, iv)
warranty notices for resource monitoring device, iv) suggested
replacements for said resource monitoring device, and combinations
thereof.

24. A method for providing monitoring resource consumption by a resource
consuming device comprising: a) providing a resource monitoring device
that monitors resource consumption of said resource consuming devices,
said resource monitoring device including a microprocessor being i)
integrated in a resource consuming device, said resource consuming device
is a household device that includes one or more devices selected from the
group consisting of an oven, a stove, a cooking hood, a warming drawer, a
food mixer, a food steamer, a juicer, a deep fryer, a toaster, a toaster
oven, a crock pot, a tea maker, a food slicer, a popcorn maker, a fondue
pot, an ice cream maker, a bread maker, an electric grill, an electric
skillet, a clothes iron, a clothes steamer, a towel warmer, a sauna, a
shower steamer, a heating light, an electric can opener, a coffee
grinder, a floor steamer, a floor cleaner, a washing machine, a dryer, an
air conditioner, a microwave, a coffee maker, a dishwasher, a wine
cooler, a refrigerator, a freezer, a cable receiver, a satellite
receiver, a wireless router, a heater, a fan, a ceiling fan, a
dehumidifier, an electric filter, a water bed heater, an electric
blanket, a chair massager, an electric massager, a hair dryer, a hair
curler, an electric shaver, a sprinkler system, a pool heater, a pool
water filling system, a security system, an outdoor water faucet, a water
heater, a bath tub, a Jacuzzi, a shower, a shower head, a sink faucet, a
Hot Spot water heater, an air purifier, a water purifier, an ice maker, a
blender, a food processor, a disposal, a compactor, a light, a fireplace,
a stereo, a TV, a toaster, a stove, an electric frying pan, an outdoor
grill, a dust buster, a vacuum cleaner, a printer, a telephone, a game
system, AV equipment, and a printer; and, b) providing a remote resource
monitoring location that communicate with said resource monitoring device
when a transmitter in said resource monitor device transmits a signal to
said remote resource monitoring location, said remote resource monitoring
location designed to process information received from said resource
monitoring device and to provide information to a user regarding said
resource consumption by said resource consuming device.

26. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein said resource monitoring
device is designed to monitor electrical energy consumption of said
resource consuming device, said resource monitoring device a non-modular
device that is integrated in a light switch, a wall plug, a wall control
panel, or a circuit breaker.

27. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein said remote resource
monitoring location includes a computer and a computer display, said
computer including software that is designed to enable a user to a)
display information about said resource monitoring device, b) display
information about resources consumed by said resource consuming device,
or combinations thereof.

28. The method as defined in claim 27, wherein said remote resource
monitoring location enables a user to access information about said
resource monitoring device, said resource consuming device, or
combinations thereof from a location that is remote from said resource
monitoring location, said resource monitoring device and said resource
consuming device.

29. The method as defined in claim 27, wherein said remote resource
monitoring location is designed to a) access an external database that
contains rate information for at least one type of resource, and b)
process said rate information with information received from said
resource monitoring device to provide a user with information about a
cost of using said resource consuming device over a defined time period.

30. The method as defined in claim 27, wherein said remote resource
monitoring location is designed to access an external database that
contains device information about said resource consuming device and a)
display said device information to a user on said computer display, b)
process said device information and provide information to a user
regarding i) proper resource consumption by said resource monitoring
device, ii) improper resource consumption by said resource monitoring
device, iii) recall notices for said resource monitoring device, iv)
warranty notices for resource monitoring device, iv) suggested
replacements for said resource monitoring device, and combinations
thereof.

31. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein said resource monitoring
device obtains information regarding Energy Star compliance of a resource
consuming device, said resource consuming device designed to provide
information to a user regarding Energy Star compliance of a resource
consuming device by one or more arrangements selected from the group
consisting of an audio signal, a visual signal, information on a display,
and transmitting information to a remote monitoring location for display
on said remote monitoring location.

32. The method as defined in claim 24, wherein said resource monitoring
device is programmable to enable a user to input information regarding
one or more information types selected from the group consisting of type
of said resource consuming device, location of said resource consuming
device, model of said resource consuming device, date information, time
information, resource rate information, Energy Star information about
said resource consuming device, operating times of said resource
consuming device, and proper operating parameters of said resource
consuming device, said resource monitoring device programmable by one or
more arrangements selected from the group consisting of connecting an
information or database to said resource monitoring device, manually
inputting information in said resource monitoring device, and remote
programming of said resource monitoring device via said remote monitoring
location.

35. A resource monitoring system that includes a resource monitoring
device and a remote resource monitoring location, said resource
monitoring device including a circuit that is integrated in a resource
consuming device, said remote resource monitoring location in
communication with a transmitter of said resource monitoring device, said
remote resource monitoring location providing information to a user
concerning a resource being consumed by said resource consuming device,
said resource monitoring device designed to communicate with said remote
resource monitoring location wirelessly, said resource consuming device
is a household device that includes one or more devices selected from the
group consisting of an oven, a stove, a cooking hood, a warming drawer, a
food mixer, a food steamer, a juicer, a deep fryer, a toaster, a toaster
oven, a crock pot, a tea maker, a food slicer, a popcorn maker, a fondue
pot, an ice cream maker, a bread maker, an electric grill, an electric
skillet, a clothes iron, a clothes steamer, a towel warmer, a sauna, a
shower steamer, a heating light, an electric can opener, a coffee
grinder, a floor steamer, a floor cleaner, a washing machine, a dryer, an
air conditioner, a microwave, a coffee maker, a dishwasher, a wine
cooler, a refrigerator, a freezer, a cable receiver, a satellite
receiver, a wireless router, a heater, a fan, a ceiling fan, a
dehumidifier, an electric filter, a water bed heater, an electric
blanket, a chair massager, an electric massager, a hair dryer, a hair
curler, an electric shaver, a sprinkler system, a pool heater, a pool
water filling system, a security system, an outdoor water faucet, a water
heater, a bath tub, a Jacuzzi, a shower, a shower head, a sink faucet, a
Hot Spot water heater, an air purifier, a water purifier, an ice maker, a
blender, a food processor, a disposal, a compactor, a light, a fireplace,
a stereo, a TV, a toaster, a stove, an electric frying pan, an outdoor
grill, a dust buster, a vacuum cleaner, a printer, a telephone, a game
system, AV equipment, and a printer.

36. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 35, wherein said
resource monitoring device is designed to monitor the consumption of
electricity by said resource consuming device.

37. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 35, wherein said
resource monitoring device is designed to monitor the consumption of
natural gas by said resource consuming device.

38. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 35, wherein said
resource monitoring device is designed to monitor the volume of water
used by said resource consuming device.

39. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 35, wherein said
remote resource monitoring location includes a computer and a computer
display, said computer including software that is designed to enable a
user to a) display information about said resource monitoring device, b)
display information about resources consumed by said resource consuming
device, or combinations thereof, said remote resource monitoring location
enables a user to access information about said resource monitoring
device, said resource consuming device, or combinations thereof from a
location that is remote from said resource monitoring location, said
resource monitoring device and said resource consuming device.

40. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 39, wherein said
remote resource monitoring location is designed to a) access an external
database that contains rate information for at least one type of
resource, and b) process said rate information with information received
from said resource monitoring device to provide a user with information
about a cost of using said resource consuming device over a defined time
period.

41. The resource monitoring system as defined in claim 39, wherein said
remote resource monitoring location is designed to access an external
database that contains device information about said resource consuming
device and a) display said device information to a user on said computer
display, b) process said device information and provide information to a
user regarding i) proper resource consumption by said resource monitoring
device, ii) improper resource consumption by said resource monitoring
device, iii) recall notices for said resource monitoring device, iv)
warranty notices for resource monitoring device, iv) suggested
replacements for said resource monitoring device, and combinations
thereof.

[0002] The present invention relates to resource monitoring systems and
more particularly to a monitoring device which can be connected to,
interconnected with and/or incorporated in a resource consuming device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The monitoring of the amount of resource consumption such as
electricity consumption has increased in importance in recent times due
to rising energy costs. As a result, there has been an increased interest
in maximizing the efficiency of energy consuming devices so as to
minimize the energy costs associated with the operation of such devices.
There has also been a recent trend with manufacturers to develop
appliances having an "Energy Star" rating to inform consumers that such
appliances are more energy efficient and thereby consume less energy,
resulting in a lower operating cost for such appliance. These appliances
usually include information about the average energy consumption of such
appliance; however, actual energy consumption of such appliance is not
available when the appliance is operated in a particular environment. The
energy consumption by many other types of appliances which do not include
an energy star rating is difficult to even estimate the cost of energy
consumption during operation. As a result, it is difficult, if not
impossible, to determine which appliances or other energy consuming
devices are running efficiently or inefficiently in a household and/or
commercial setting. In view of the existing limitations in the industry,
there is a need for a device and a method for measuring and monitoring
the resource consumption of one or more resource consuming devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention is particularly directed to a device for
monitoring and/or measuring the amount of a resource being consumed by a
particular device. For purposes of this invention, a resource includes
electricity; liquid (e.g., water, oil, fuel oil, kerosene, diesel fuel,
gasoline, liquid hydrogen, liquid nitrogen, methanol, etc.); and air and
or other types of gasses (e.g., hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, natural gas,
etc.) that are pressurize or not pressurized. Electricity, natural gas
and water are currently the most common resources consumed by typical
household consumers and businesses. Other types of resources that are
less commonly used by typical consumers and businesses (e.g., fuel oil
and/or kerosene to provide heat for cooking and/or heating, liquid
nitrogen to cool computer systems, etc.) can also be monitored by the
resource monitoring device of the present invention. In various types of
industrial applications, pressurized gasses are used to operate various
types of equipment, thus such pressurized gas is also a consumable
resource when provided in canisters or cylinders, and the monitoring of
this resource can also be accomplished by the resource monitoring device
of the present invention. The emerging technologies associated with fuel
cells may ultimately give rise to the mass consumption by consumers of
hydrogen gas, methanol, or some other resource. The monitoring and/or
measuring of these and any other consumable resource are contemplated by
this invention. One of the basic premises of the present invention is to
monitor and/or measure at least one consumable resource and to provide
information to a consumer about one or more devices and/or systems that
are consuming the at least one consumable resource. The information
obtained by the resource monitoring device of the present invention can
be used in a variety of ways. For example, the information obtained by
the resource monitoring device can be used to a) monitor the resource
consumption of the one or more resource consuming devices and/or systems,
b) provide a breakdown of resource consumption (e.g., time, date,
consumption rate, etc.) by one or more resource consuming devices and/or
systems, c) modify and/or suggest modifications to the user of one or
more resource consuming devices and/or systems (e.g., suggest more
efficient devices, adjust operation time of the resource consuming
device. etc.), d) provide information about the efficiency of the one or
more resource consuming devices and/or systems, e) provide information to
a user about whether the one or more resource consuming devices and/or
systems in operating normally or abnormally (e.g., engine failing thus
drawing more power than usual, engine broken thus not drawing any energy,
etc.), f) control the operation of one or more resource consuming device
(e.g., enable/disable flow of resource to resource consuming device,
etc.), g) provide information to the user on how to improve the
efficiency of the one or more resource consuming devices and/or systems,
h) suggest operation times (e.g., night time operation when electricity
rates are lower, etc.) and/or operating parameters (e.g., suggest
increase/decrease in thermostat during certain portions of day, suggest
watering yard in morning or late afternoon, etc.) of one or more resource
consuming device to control costs of using the one or more resources, i)
suggest websites and/or obtain information on the internet regarding one
or more of the resource consuming devices being monitored (e.g., obtain
recall or repair notices from manufacturer, obtain suggested repair and
check-up intervals for one or more of the resource consuming devices
being monitored, compare resource consumption to published resource
consumption rates, etc.), j) provide graphical and data information
regarding each resource consuming device being monitored and/or a group
of resource consuming devices being monitored, k) enable a user to
locally and/or remotely access information about one or more resource
consuming devices being monitored via an electronic device (e.g.,
computer, phone, blackberry, etc.), and/or locally and/or remotely
control one or more resource consuming devices being monitored via an
electronic device (e.g., computer, phone, blackberry, etc.), and/or l)
enable a user to locally and/or remotely access information about one or
more resource monitoring devices via an electronic device (e.g.,
computer, phone, blackberry, etc.), and/or locally and/or remotely
reprogram and/or control one or more resource monitoring devices via an
electronic device (e.g., computer, phone, blackberry, etc.). As can be
appreciated, other and/or alternative information can be provided to the
user based on the information monitored and/or measured. Furthermore, it
can be appreciated that there can be other and/or alternative uses of the
information that is monitored and/or measured by the resource monitoring
device of the present invention.

[0005] In one non-limiting aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a resource monitoring device that is designed to measure and/or
monitor one or more parameters of a resource and/or resource consuming
device over one or more periods of time. The type of parameters measured
and/or monitored by the resource monitoring device will depend on the
type of resource and/or resource consuming device being monitored. For
instance, when the monitored/measured resource is electricity and/or a
resource consuming device that consumes electricity (e.g., oven, central
air system, refrigerator, lights, washing machine, industrial equipment,
etc.), the resource monitoring device can be designed to measure and/or
monitor the voltage, the current frequency, maximum current level,
minimum current level, average current level, KWH, maximum consumption,
minimum consumption, average consumption, timer period of use, etc. When
the resource is natural gas and/or a resource consuming device that
consumes natural gas (e.g., gas fireplace, gas water heater, gas dryer,
gas stove, gas furnace, etc.), the resource monitoring device can be
designed to measure and/or monitor the gas flow rate, the gas pressure,
the volume of gas consumed, time period of use, etc. When the resource is
water and/or a resource consuming device that uses water (e.g., sink
faucet, toilet, water heater, outside sprinkler, bathtub, shower, etc.),
the resource monitoring device can be designed to measure and/or monitor
the water flow rate, the water pressure, the gallons of water consumed,
time period of use, etc. When the resource is fuel oil or kerosene and/or
a resource consuming device that consumes fuel oil or kerosene (e.g.,
stove, furnace, etc.), the resource monitoring device can be designed to
measure and/or monitor the flow rate of fuel oil or kerosene, the volume
of fuel oil or kerosene consumed, time period of use, etc. Indeed, any
parameter that might be used to provide information about the consumption
of a resource by one or more resource consuming devices and/or systems
can be measured and/or monitored by the resource monitoring device. As
can also be appreciated, any increment of measurement can be made (e.g.,
resource consumed per second, resource consumed per minute, resource
consumed per hour, resource consumed per day, resource consumed per
month, resource consumed per year, watt, kilowatt, quart, gallon, cubic
foot, etc.). This measured and/or monitored information by the resource
monitoring device can be correlated to a variety of parameters such as,
but not limited to, 1) a time period (e.g., time of day, day, portion of
day (e.g., morning, afternoon, etc.), month, portion of month (e.g.,
beginning or month, end of month, etc.), year, portion of year (e.g.,
summer, winter, fall, spring, etc.), decade, century; 2) the identity of
the resource consuming device [Household devices--oven, stove, cooking
hood, warming drawer, food mixer, food steamer, juicer, deep fryer,
toaster, toaster oven, crook pot, tea maker, food slicer, popcorn maker,
fondue pot, ice cream maker, bread maker, electric grill, electric
skillet, clothes iron, clothes steamer, towel warmer, sauna, shower
steamer, heating light, electric can opener, coffee grinder, floor
steamer, floor cleaner, washing machine, dryer, central or window air
conditioner, microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, wine cooler,
refrigerator, freezer, cable and/or satellite receiver, wireless routers,
heater, fan, ceiling fans, dehumidifier, electric filter, water bed
heater, electric blanket, chair massager, electric massager, hair dryer,
hair curler, electric shaver, exhaust fan, sprinkler system, pool heater,
pool water filling systems, security system, outdoor water faucet,
outdoor electric plug, outdoor lighting, water heater, bath tub, Jacuzzi,
shower, shower head, sink, sink faucet, computer, Hot Spot water heater,
air purifier, water purifier, ice maker, blender, food processor,
disposal, compactor, light, fireplace, stereo, TV, toaster, stove, crock
pot, electric frying pan, outdoor grill, boiler, dust buster, vacuum
cleaner, printer, telephone, computer, game systems, AV equipment,
network equipment, filtration systems, etc.] [Business and Industrial
devices--oven, washing machine, dryer, central or window air conditioner,
microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, cable and/or
satellite receiver, wireless routers, heater, fan, ceiling fan,
dehumidifier, electric filter, exhaust fan, sprinkler system, pool
heater, pool water filling systems, water park water supply, amusement
park rides, security system, outdoor water faucet, outdoor electric
plugs, outdoor lighting, water heater, shower, shower head, sink, sink
faucet, computer, light, stereo, TV, toaster, stove, grill, boiler,
vacuum cleaner, printer, telephone, computer, AV equipment, network
equipment, filtration systems, robotic equipment, welding equipment,
chemical processing equipment, manufacturing and/or industrial equipment,
cooling systems, etc.] being monitored by the resource monitoring device
in a business, residence or other location (e.g., home, condo, apartment,
rental property, hotel, motel, factory, office complex, cruise ship,
airplane, train, etc.); 3) a region in a business, residence or other
location (e.g., house kitchen, house living room, first floor of house,
certain apartment or group of apartments in an apartment complex, certain
cabin on a ship, certain office or group of offices in an office complex,
etc.) that the one or more monitored resource consuming devices are
located; 4) the operation of one or more one or more monitored resource
consuming devices with certain parameters (e.g., water consumption in
office restroom per day within a certain amount, electricity consumption
in house kitchen within a certain amount; etc.); and/or 5) the resource
cost (e.g., average cost, cost during the peak use period, etc.) for use
by the one or more resource consuming devices. As can be appreciated, the
resource consuming devices that can be monitored by the resource
monitoring device of the present invention is non-limiting. Essentially,
any type of resource consuming device can be monitored the resource
monitoring device of the present invention. As can be appreciated, the
information obtained by the one or more resource monitoring devices can
be used to a) create a resource budget or plan, b) allow a user to
propose and/or implement changes in resource usage to fall with a
resource consumption plan, c) allow a user to determine whether the
resource plan is being followed or being deviated from, etc. As can be
appreciated, the identity information of a particular resource consuming
device can be automatically detected by the resource monitoring device,
and/or manually inputted in the resource monitoring device. As can also
be appreciated, the identity of the resource consuming device can be very
specific, (e.g., Basement GE electric stove Model #00000, Kitchen Maytag
dishwasher Model #00000, etc.), be specific (e.g., GE electric stove,
Maytag dishwasher, etc.), be less specific (e.g., electric stove,
dishwasher, etc.), or be even less specific (e.g., appliance, lights,
etc.). The specificity of a particular resource consuming device is
non-limiting. Non-limiting examples of information about the identity of
the resource consuming device can include device type (e.g., oven,
dishwasher, coffee maker, etc.), manufacturer, model number, serial
number, warranty information, service contact information, date
purchased, date installed, date of manufacture, location of home device
located or installed, etc. As such, the resource monitoring device can be
designed to provide as little or as much information about the identity
of the resource consuming device as desired. As can be appreciated, the
identity of the resource consuming device is not limited to a particular
resource consuming device, but can include a particular or series of
plugs or light switches (e.g., NE wall plug in family room, kitchen
plugs, light switch for light over fireplace, switches for all family
room lights, ceiling fan switch in master bedroom, all fan switches in
house, etc.), can be associated with one or more circuit breakers (e.g.,
oven circuit breaker, central air circuit breaker, kitchen lights circuit
breaker, dryer circuit breaker, main circuit breaker, etc.), can be
associated with a particular water line (e.g., water line to water
heater, water line to sprinkler, water line to dishwasher, etc.) and/or
the main water line, and/or can be associated with a particular gas line
(e.g., gas line to furnace, gas line to fireplace, etc.) and/or the main
gas line.

[0006] In still another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the resource monitoring device can be partially or
fully incorporated in the resource consuming device. The partial or full
incorporation of a resource monitoring device in a particular resource
consuming device can be particularly made for the resource consuming
device or be an option (e.g., model option, etc.) for a particular
resource consuming device. Typically, when the resource monitoring device
is partially or fully incorporated in the resource consuming device, the
manufacturer incorporates such resource monitoring device on and/or into
the resource consuming device; however, this is not required. When the
resource monitoring device is partially or fully incorporated into the
resource consuming device, the resource monitoring device can be designed
to be fully accessible to a consumer, partially accessible to a consumer,
or inaccessible to a consumer. If the resource monitoring device is made
readily accessible to a consumer, one or more displays and/or buttons on
the resource monitoring device and/or resource monitoring device can be
accessible to the consumer. Alternatively or additionally, the resource
consuming device can include a communication port (e.g., USB port,
firewire port, etc.) and/or include a wireless connection to enable a
user to connect and/or communicate with the resource monitoring device
that is partially or fully incorporated in the resource consuming device.

[0007] In yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the resource monitoring device can be connected in
line with the resource consuming device. Such inline positioning of the
resource monitoring device can be a modular or non-modular configuration
for the resource monitoring device. Many different designs of the
resource monitoring device can be used to place the resource monitoring
device in line with the resource consuming device. For example, when the
resource monitoring device is designed to measure electricity consumption
by a resource consuming device, the resource monitoring device can be
designed so that 1) the resource consuming device plugs into the resource
monitoring device which in turn is plugged into an electric outlet, 2)
the resource monitoring device is incorporated in an electric outlet
wherein a resource consuming device is plugged therein, 3) the resource
monitoring device is incorporated in a surge protector that is connected
to an electric outlet wherein a resource consuming device is plugged
therein, 4) the resource monitoring device is connected in line with an
electric wire that is connected to an electric outlet wherein a resource
consuming device is plugged therein, 5) the resource monitoring device is
incorporated in a circuit breaker that supplies power to one or more
plugs and/or regions of a residence, business and/or industrial facility
and/or 6) the resource monitoring device is incorporated in an extension
cord and/or power strip that supplies power to one or more resource
consuming devices. In another example, when resource monitoring device is
designed to measure natural gas consumption by a resource consuming
device, the resource monitoring device can be designed so that 1) the
natural gas supply for the resource consuming device is fluidly connected
to the resource monitoring device which in turn is connected to a natural
gas supply, 2) the resource monitoring device for one or more resource
consuming devices is fluidly connected to the one or more resource
consuming devices to measure and/or monitor natural gas consumption for a
particular region of a residence, business and/or industrial facility
(e.g., particular room of a residence, particular floor of a residence, a
particular apartment in an apartment complex, a particle plant at a
manufacturing facility, etc.). In still another example, when the
resource monitoring device is designed to measure water consumption by a
resource consuming device, the resource monitoring device can be designed
so that 1) the water supply for the resource consuming device is fluidly
connected to the resource monitoring device which in turn is connected to
a water, 2) the resource monitoring device for one or more resource
consuming devices is fluidly connected to the one or more resource
consuming devices to measure and/or monitor water consumption for a
particular region of a residence, business and/or industrial facility. As
can be appreciated, the resource monitoring device can in connected
in-line in other and/or additional ways. The size and/or configuration of
the resource monitoring device are non-limiting. As can be appreciated
from these non-limiting examples, other or additional resources can be
monitored and/or measured by the resource monitoring device being
connected in line with one or more resource consuming devices by similar
and/or alternative arrangements. The use of the resource monitoring
device of the present invention can be very beneficial for use in older
apartments and other buildings wherein the electric wiring is not
conducive to separating out usage for particular rooms and/or units. The
use of the resource monitoring device can be used to easily monitor the
resource usage of one or more resources for a particular unit and/or room
thereby enabling the costs of such resource consumption to be directly
passed to individual consumers instead of charging the consumers an
average resource consumption cost. As mentioned above, the resource
monitoring device has a modular or non-modular configuration. A
non-limiting example of a modular configuration of a resource monitoring
device for use in monitoring electricity consumption is disclosed in U.S.
Patent Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/512,623 filed Oct. 20, 2003
and 61/153,050 filed Feb. 17, 2009, which are both fully incorporated
herein by reference. In this non-limiting design, the modular resource
monitoring device is designed to be plug into an electric wall outlet or
plug and the resource consuming device in turn is connected to the
modular resource monitoring device. For purposes of this invention, a
modular resource monitoring device is defined as a resource monitoring
device that can be easily connected to a resource supply and a resource
consuming device. For example, a resource monitoring device that can be
plugged into a standard electrical outlet and also allow a resource
consuming device to be plugged into the resource monitoring device would
be considered a modular resource monitoring device for purposes of this
invention. Likewise, a resource monitoring device that can be screwed
into a standard light socket and also allow a resource consuming device
such a light bulb to be screwed into the resource monitoring device would
also be considered a modular resource monitoring device for purposes of
this invention. However, a resource monitoring device that is located in
a circuit breaker, an electric plug, a light switch, partially or fully
incorporated in a resource consuming device, etc. is not considered a
modular device for purposes of this invention. In a further example, a
resource monitoring device that can be easily connected to a water faucet
or hose and allows a resource consuming device (e.g., sprinkler, water
purifier, etc.) to be connected to the resource monitoring device would
be considered a modular resource monitoring device for purposes of this
invention. However, a resource monitoring device that requires connection
to a water source shower, bathtub, main water line, etc. would not
considered a modular resource monitoring device for purposes of this
invention. Similar examples can be applied to a natural gas source.

[0008] In still yet another and/or alternative non-limiting aspect of the
present invention, the resource monitoring device is a modular device for
monitoring electrical energy. The modular resource monitoring device can
be designed to monitor, record, transmit, etc. information regarding the
electrical energy being consumed by a resource consuming device as
electricity flows through the modular resource monitoring device. The
information monitored, recorded, transmitted, etc. by the modular
resource monitoring device can include one or more types of information
(e.g., total kilowatt hours of power consumed, the amount of power
consumed during a particular time period, the peak power consumption, the
average power consumption over a period of time, time period the resource
consuming device consumed power, the actual and/or estimated cost of
power consumed by the resource consuming device, the cost of electric
power at a particular time period, the cost of power used during a
particular time period, etc.). The size of the modular resource
monitoring device is not limited. The modular resource monitoring device
can be designed to support multiple voltage levels and/or plug types;
however, this is not required. The voltage level setting for the modular
resource monitoring device, when used, can be manual and/or automatic;
however, this is not required. The body of the modular resource
monitoring device can be made of any number of materials (e.g., metal,
plastic, fiberglass, etc.). The modular resource monitoring device can
have any type of color, shape and/or design. The modular resource
monitoring device can include more than one plug so that more than one
resource consuming device can be connected to the monitoring device;
however, this is not required. If the modular resource monitoring device
includes more than one plug, the modular resource monitoring device can
be designed to provide information about the amount of energy consumption
for each plug, information about each of the resource consuming devices
connected to each plug, etc.; however, this is not required. When the
modular resource monitoring device more than plug, the resource
monitoring device in the modular device can be designed to include single
and/or separate memory locations for the resource consuming devices
plugged into the modular resource monitoring device so that information
on each resource consuming device and/or one or more combinations of the
resource consuming devices can be displayed, stored and/or reported;
however, this is not required. The modular resource monitoring device can
include electronics to identify and/or distinguish the resource
consumption by one or more resource consuming devices; however, this is
not required. The modular device can include a circuit breaker; however,
this is not required. The modular device will be typically UL listed
and/or include any other appropriate electrical approvals. The modular
device can be designed to be water resistant for outdoor use; however,
this is not required. The increments of information that are measured,
displayed and/or reported by the modular resource monitoring device can
be set at any desired and/or practical increment. The accuracy of the
modular resource monitoring device can also be set at any desired and/or
practical amount. The modular resource monitoring device can include one
or more displays that are lighted and/or backlit; however, this is not
required. The modular resource monitoring device can include one or more
control knobs or buttons to toggle between various attributes and memory
locations of the modular device; however, this is not required. The
modular resource monitoring device can be powered by an independent power
source such as a battery and/or be powered by the electricity from an
electrical outlet. The modular device can include a wire connection or a
cable connection (e.g., Ethernet connection, USB connection, fire wire
connection, etc.) and/or a wireless connection to enable a user to
connect the resource monitoring device to another electronic device
(e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, IPad, ITouch, mobile
phone, blackberry, etc.) to enable a user, to receive information from
and/or input information into the resource monitoring device; however,
this is not required. As can be appreciated, the modular resource
monitoring device can include additional and/or alternative features. As
can also be appreciated, some or all of the features and/or functions of
the modular resource monitoring device for use with electricity consuming
devices as described above can be in resource monitoring device that are
not in a modular form (e.g., resource monitoring device incorporated into
an electric plug, resource monitoring device incorporated into a fan or
light switch, resource monitoring device incorporated in a circuit
breaker for a circuit breaker box, resource monitoring device partially
or fully incorporated into a resource consuming device, etc.), or in a
resource monitoring device in a modular or non-modular form that is used
to monitor resources other than or in addition to electrical power
consumption.

[0009] In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, the resource monitoring device can be designed to be connected
to a power cord of an electricity consuming device. In one non-limiting
design, the resource monitoring device is designed to be clamped onto an
existing power cord. A user can simply place the resource monitoring
device on a portion of the power cord and then push together, tighten,
etc. a portion of the resource monitoring device to cause the resource
monitoring device to be clamped to the power cord and penetrate the other
layer of the power cord so that the electric wiring in the power cord is
at least partially engaged by one or more electric contacts of the
resource monitoring device. In another non-limiting design, the resource
monitoring device is designed to be connected to a power cord after a
user cuts the power cord. On end of the cut power cord is connected to
one portion of the resource monitoring device and the other cut end is
connected to another portion of the resource monitoring device. In still
another non-limiting design, the resource monitoring device is
pre-installed or incorporated into a power cord. In this non-limiting
design, the user substitutes the original power cord of a device with the
power cord that includes the pre-installed or incorporated resource
monitoring device.

[0010] In another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the
resource monitoring device can include one or more storage media to
permanently or temporarily retained one or more types of information over
a particular period of time. Such storage media can include a hard disk,
memory stick, flash memory chips, etc. The storage media can be designed
to be removable from the resource monitoring device and/or be permanently
affixed to the resource monitoring device. The resource monitoring device
can include one or more arrangements designed to transfer and/or receive
information (e.g., floppy disk reader/writer, CD reader/writer, DVD
reader/writer, memory stick reader/writer, fire wire connector, IR
transmitter, RF transmitter, laser light transmitter, microwave
transmitter, memory stick connector, phone line connector, computer cable
connector, Ethernet connector, electric wire connector, fiber optic cable
connector, USB cable connector, coaxial cable connector, various types of
information transmission cables, etc.).

[0011] In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, the resource monitoring device can include an Energy Star
compliant indicator and/or transmit information to a remote monitoring
location to provide a user at the remote monitoring location information
about the Energy Star compliance of a resource consuming device. In one
non-limiting design, the resource monitoring device can produce a visual
and/or audible signal to inform a user whether a resource consuming
device is Energy Star compliant. The visual signal can include one or
more lights on the resource monitoring device, and/or a resource
monitoring device that has a display panel or screen that provides a user
with information about the Energy Star compliance of a resource consuming
device. In one non-limiting configuration, the resource monitoring device
can inform a user that resource consuming device is a) Energy Star
compliant (e.g., green light, display that states Energy Star compliant,
etc.), b) borderline or almost Energy Star compliant (e.g., yellow light,
display that states marginal or almost Energy Star compliant, etc.),
and/or c) not Energy Star compliant (e.g., red light, display that states
not Energy Star compliant, etc.). In another and/or alternative
non-limiting configuration, the resource monitoring device can transmit
information to one or more remote monitoring locations to provide a user
at the one or more remote monitoring locations information about the
Energy Star compliance of a particular resource consuming device. In
still another and/or alternative non-limiting configuration, the resource
monitoring device can produce an audible sound when the resource
consuming device is Energy Star compliant, borderline or almost Energy
Star compliant, and/or not Energy Star compliant. The sound for different
states of Energy Star compliance can be the same or different. The
resource monitoring device can be designed to only produce an audible
sound when the resource consuming device is in a certain state of Energy
Star compliance (e.g., borderline or almost Energy Star compliant, not
Energy Star compliant, etc.). The visual and/or audible signals and/or
information transmitted to one or more remote monitoring locations can be
used by a user to a) rate the efficiency of a resource consuming device,
b) monitor the deterioration of a resource consuming device, and/or c)
identify a broken or defective resource consuming device. In another
and/or alternative non-limiting design, the resource monitoring device
can be programmed by a user (e.g., input information via display panel,
input information via remote monitoring location, input information via
wirelessly and/or through a cable connection. etc.) to identify a certain
resource consuming device being monitored by the resource monitoring
device so that the resource monitoring device can provide more accurate
information to the user regarding 1) the Energy Star compliance of the
resource consuming device and/or 2) the proper and/or improper resource
consumption by the resource consuming device.

[0012] In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, one or more resource monitoring devices can be designed to
directly and/or indirectly provide information to, and/or receive
information from one or more central data processing and/or storage
facilities (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer,
IPad, PDA, Palm Pilot, internet, proprietary computer bank, proprietary
data base, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the
information transferred to the one or more central data processing and/or
storage facilities, and/or data being transferred from the one or more
central data storage and/or processing facilities can be continuous feed,
periodic feed, and/or be manually inputted. In another and/or alternative
non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the data that is downloaded
into the one or more central data processing and/or storage facilities
can include one or more software programs to enable an operator to
monitor various resource consumption parameters obtained from one or more
resource monitoring devices. The one or more software programs can be
used to provide graphs, charts, tables, and/or the like used generate
information on the resource consumption of one or more resource consuming
devices that are integrated, connected and/or interconnected with one or
more resource monitoring devices. This data can also and/or alternatively
be used by the consumer and/or third party to monitor, estimate and/or
project the cost of operating one or more resource consuming devices.
This information can be used to assist a consumer and/or third party in
obtaining cost information and/or estimated cost information on the
operation and/or use of one or more resource consuming devices. The
information obtained can also and/or alternatively be used by a consumer
and/or third party to modify the amount and/or time of use of one or more
resource consuming devices. This information can also and/or
alternatively be used to reduce the energy costs associated with the
operation of one or more resource consuming devices. In still another
and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the one or more software
programs used to process the information downloaded and/or received from
one or more resource monitoring devices can be used to provide historical
information on one or more parameters associated with one or more energy
consuming devices. This information could be used to inform and/or notify
the consumer and/or third party that an inordinate amount of usage (e.g.,
too much, too little, use at improper times, etc.) of one or more
resource consuming devices has occurred (e.g. water leak, gas leak,
filter needs to be changed, device broken, etc.). The information could
then be used to repair and/or adjust a resource consuming device as
required. The information can also or alternatively be used to activate a
warning signal or alarm to inform a user that a resource consuming device
is a) burning out or failing to enable a user to take corrective action
(e.g., appliance beginning to fail or has failed so buy new appliance,
etc.) and/or b) non-standard resource usage by a resource consuming
device (e.g., too much electricity being used so turn off lights, turn
off over/stove and/or other appliance, turn off air conditioner/heater,
turn off fan, etc.; water running too long so check for leak, turn off
faucet, turn off commode, turn off washer, turn off dishwasher, turn off
pool water supply, etc.; too must gas being use so check for leak, turn
off fireplace, turn off furnace, turn off water heater, turn off gas
over/stove, turn off gas dryer, etc.). In yet another and/or alternative
embodiment of the invention, the one or more software programs used to
process the information downloaded and/or received from one or more
resource monitoring devices can be used to a) notify a consumer and/or
third party of information about the resource consuming device, b) notify
a consumer and/or third party of information about setting and/or
operational information about one or more resource consuming devices, c)
enable a consumer and/or third party to modify and/or control one or more
resource monitoring devices, d) enable a consumer and/or third party to
modify and/or control one or more resource consuming devices integrated
with, connected to, and/or interconnected to one or more resource
monitoring devices, e) automatically modify and/or control one or more
resource monitoring devices, and/or f) automatically modify and/or
control one or more resource consuming devices integrated with, connected
to, and/or interconnected to one or more resource monitoring devices. In
still yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the one
or more software programs can be used to send and/or provide data to one
or more resource monitoring devices to cause a dump of one or more pieces
of information from the one or more resource monitoring devices to the
one or more central data processing and/or storage facilities, and/or to
provide other and/or additional information to one or more one or more
resource monitoring devices (e.g., time, day, year, updated resource
cost, updated use information, etc.). The sending and/or the receiving of
information between one or more resource monitoring devices and one or
more central data processing and/or storage facilities also can be used
to a) provide information on the proper operation of the one or more
resource monitoring devices and/or one or more central data processing
and/or storage devices, and/or b) verify data transfer and/or accuracy of
transferred data. The transfer of information between one or more
resource monitoring devices and/or one or more central data processing
and/or storage facilities can be automatic and/or manually instituted.
The transferred information can occur continuously, at discreet periods
of time, and/or after one or more triggering events have occurred (e.g.,
power outage, power surge, activation and/or deactivation of one or more
circuit breakers, manual command by an operator, etc.). The information
used by the one or more software programs can be manually inputted,
and/or downloaded from one or more sources.

[0013] In yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention,
the information from one or more resource monitoring devices can be used
to provide actual and/or estimated resource cost information associated
with the actual and/or planned operating of one or more resource
consuming devices over a period of time. A software program can be
incorporated in one or more resource monitoring devices and/or one or
more central data processing and/or storage facilities to calculate these
actual and/or anticipated costs. The resource rates for a particular
locale can be provided by a private service, downloaded from the
internet, downloaded from a modem, manually inputted, etc. These rates
can then be used to calculate the resource cost analysis. These rates
and/or additional information can be provided automatically and/or
manually to one or more resource monitoring devices and/or one or more
central data processing and/or storage facilities. The one or more
software programs can be designed to automatically provide and/or provide
when prompted, generated information about one or more resource
monitoring devices, one or more individual resource consuming devices
and/or one or more resource consuming devices integrated with, connected
to and/or interconnected with one or more resource monitoring devices.
This generated information can take a variety of different forms
(preformed templates, custom templates, etc.). This generated information
can be used to 1) identify underperforming resource consuming devices, 2)
suggested more energy efficient resource consuming devices to replace
existing resource consuming devices, 3) suggest operation times and/or
operating parameters for one or more resource consuming devices, 4)
provide product information about one or more resource consuming devices,
5) provide information about new products related to one or more energy
consuming devices, 6) provide information about one or more products
related to one or more resource consuming devices, and/or other and/or
additional information.

[0014] In a further and/or alternative aspect of the present invention,
the information from one or more resource monitoring devices can be used
to control the operation of one or more resource consuming devices based
on one or more parameters (e.g., cost of operation, amount of operation,
period of operation, when user is at or away from a location of the
resource consuming device, the awake and sleep periods of a user at the
location of the resource consuming device, the time of year, etc.). As a
result, the life of one or more resource consuming devices can be
modified and/or the cost of operating one or more resource consuming
devices can be controlled. The control of operation of the one or more
resource consuming devices can be done manually (e.g., user turns or
turns off resource consuming devices based on a schedule that was created
from information monitored by one or more resource monitoring devices,
user changes a thermostat based on a schedule that was created from
information monitored by one or more resource monitoring devices, user
only uses the dryer based on a schedule that was created from information
monitored by one or more resource monitoring devices, etc.) and/or
automatically. Automatic control of one or more resource consuming
devices can be obtained by sending control information directly to the
resource consuming devices and/or by controlling the operation of the
resource consuming devices by controlling one or more resource monitoring
devices (e.g., continuously or periodically controlling water flow
through one or more resource monitoring devices, continuously or
periodically controlling natural gas flow through one or more resource
monitoring devices, continuously or periodically controlling current flow
through one or more resource monitoring devices, etc.).

[0015] In still a further and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, the information acquired by one or more resource monitoring
devices and/or one or more central data processing and/or storage devices
can be provided free or a user or can be provided at a cost to the user
by one or more private services (e.g., energy management service, etc.).
Such private service can be used to provide a variety of information to
the user (e.g., recommendations on the time and/or amount of energy
consumption for a particular resource consuming device, the operating
parameters for a particular resource consuming device, recommendations
for replacing a particular resource consuming device with a more
efficient energy consuming device, etc.). The private service can be used
to provide other and/or additional services related to one or more
resource consuming devices (e.g., resource rate information; product
rebates; pricing information on various resource consuming devices;
pricing information on various resource providers and/or information
about such providers; recommenced maintenance information and/or
maintenance scheduling information for a resource consuming device;
ratings and/or reviews concerning various resource consuming devices;
software downloads and/or updates for software used one or more resource
monitoring devices and/or one or more central data processing and/or
storage devices; recall information concerning various resource consuming
devices; service information and/or services to setup, repair and/or
maintain the resource monitoring devices and/or resource consuming
devices; laws, regulations, proposed rules, public notices, proposed
regulations and/or legislation, and/or city ordinances related to various
resource consuming devices; etc.).

[0016] In yet a further and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a resource monitoring system that can be at
least partially professionally installed, at least partially installed by
a manufacturer of a product (e.g. Maytag, Whirlpool, G.E., etc.) and/or
at least partially installed by installed by individual consumers to
enable a business, consumer and/or third party to monitor the resource
consumption by one or more resource consuming devices. The resource
monitoring devices can be incorporated in one or more resource consuming
devices, interconnected with one or more resource consuming devices,
and/or can be connected in line with one or more resource consuming
devices. In one non-limiting example, manufacturers of larger resource
consuming devices (e.g., dishwasher, washing machine, dryer,
refrigerator, oven, stove, water heater, heater, air conditioner,
furnace, gas fireplace equipment, water softener, stereo equipment, A-V
equipment, TV, computer equipment, etc.) and/or higher end models of
resource consuming devices would partially or fully incorporate the
resource monitoring device in the manufactured device appliance.

[0017] In another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a resource monitoring system for monitoring electrical
energy that has a modular design that can be used with resource consuming
devices that may or may have a resource monitoring device that is
partially or fully incorporated in the resource consuming device. For
example, the resource consumption of smaller resource consuming devices
(e.g., toaster, cordless phone, microwave, small appliances, hair dryer,
answering machine, etc.) and/or appliances and/or equipment that do not
incorporate a resource monitoring device can be connected or
interconnected to a modular resource monitoring device. For example, one
or more resource consuming devices can be connected to a modular resource
monitoring device such as modular resource monitoring device that
includes one or more outlets designed to receive the plug of one or more
resource consuming devices. In one non-limiting design, the modular
resource monitoring device can have the form of a power strip having one
or more outlets and a plug that plugs into a standard wall plug. In
another non-limiting design, the modular resource monitoring device is a
small compact device that has one or more outlets and a plug that plugs
into a standard wall plug. In still another non-limiting design, the
modular resource monitoring device is incorporated into a surge protector
that has one or more outlets and a plug that plugs into a standard wall
plug. In yet another non-limiting design, the modular resource monitoring
device is incorporated into an extension cord or power cord that has one
or more outlets and a plug that plugs into a standard wall plug. These
types of resource monitoring devices are typically used with electric
powered resource consuming devices. The modular resource monitoring
device in this particular configuration can be movable to various
electric outlets; however, this is not required. In another example, one
or more resource consuming devices can be connected to a modular resource
monitoring device such as modular resource monitoring device that can be
screwed into a light socket and which modular resource monitoring device
is designed to receive the threaded end of one or more resource consuming
devices (e.g., a light bulb, etc.). Such a configuration is typically
used for electric powered resource consuming devices. The modular
resource monitoring device in this particular configuration can be
movable to various light sockets; however, this is not required.

[0018] In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a resource monitoring device for monitoring
electrical energy that has a non-modular design. When the resource
monitoring device is a non-modular device, the non-modular configuration
is not typically moved to other locations one installed or is not
designed to be moved once installed. One non-limiting example of a
non-modular resource monitoring device is a circuit breaker that includes
a resource monitoring arrangement. The circuit breaker is designed to be
inserted into the main or a secondary circuit breaker box of a house,
business, etc. The circuit breaker cannot be used in other locations of
the house, business, etc. Another non-limiting example of a non-modular
resource monitoring device is a light switch that includes a resource
monitoring arrangement. Although a light switch for a light, fan,
fireplace, etc. can be relocated in other location, the moving of a light
switch requires the disconnection and re-connection of electrical wires,
thus for purposes of this invention, the requirement to disconnect and
reconnect electric wires causes the device to be a non-modular device. As
such, a resource monitoring arrangement that is incorporated in a wall
plug is also considered a non-modular device for purposes of this
invention. Still another non-limiting example of a non-modular resource
monitoring device is device that is placed inside the wall of a house,
business, etc., thus is difficult to access. For example, a device that
is connected in-line with an electric line within a wall that is designed
to monitor electrically passing through the line (e.g., an electric line
to the electric dryer, an electric line to the central AC unit, etc.) is
an example of non-modular resource monitoring device for purposes of the
present invention.

[0019] In yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention
there is provided a resource monitoring device for monitoring fluids
(e.g., water, natural gas, propane, kerosene, fuel oil, gasoline, diesel
fuel, hydrogen gas, liquid nitrogen, compressed gas, etc.) that has a
modular design. The resource monitoring device is typically fluidly
connected to the resource consuming device (e.g., gas water heater, gas
furnace, gas dryer, nitrogen cooling system for a computer, washing
machine, dishwasher, toilet, sink, bath tub, shower, outside water
faucet, sprinkler system, hose, etc.); however, it can be appreciated
that the resource monitoring device can also or alternatively be
connected to a main source line (e.g., main water line, main gas line)
and/or to a major line that supplies a resource to one or more locations
(e.g., water line to basement, water line to first floor, gas line to the
two furnaces, gas line to the two fireplaces, etc.). For purposes of the
present invention, a modular resource monitoring device for a fluid
resource consuming device is a device that can be easily connected to a
fluid source. Non-limiting examples of an easy connection would be a
device that can be screwed onto a fluid source such as an outside or
garage water faucet, water source for a washing machine, etc. and the
fluid resource consuming device can then be screwed into the resource
monitoring device. A non-limiting example of uneasy connection would be a
connection wherein special connectors are required (e.g., water source
connectors for a sink, water source connectors for water heater, water
source connectors for a dishwasher, gas source for water heater, gas
source for furnace, etc.). Such uneasy connections generally require the
pipe or tube of the resource to be cut, solder, weld, sealant tape or
outer types of sealants other than a standard washer to seal the fluid
line, the fluid line is embedded in a wall, etc. For purposes of this
invention, fluid resource consuming device that connects to an uneasy
connection is not a modular resource monitoring device. As can be
appreciated, one or more of the non-limiting examples of uneasy
connections may be easy connections for some types of fluid resource
consuming devices.

[0020] In still yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, once the one or more resource monitoring devices have been
installed and/or the one or more resource consuming devices that at least
partially incorporate a resource monitoring device have been purchased,
the information concerning a resource consumed by one or more resource
consuming devices can be displayed by the one or more resource monitoring
devices and/or can be fed to one or more remote monitoring locations.
When the resource monitoring device is designed to display information to
a user, the displayed information can be basic information (e.g.,
indicator that indicates device operating, etc.) or more detail
information (e.g., date, time, amount of resource used, time or operation
of resource consuming device, state of Energy Star compliance, etc.).
Different models of resource monitoring devices can be different amounts
of displayed information. The resource monitoring device can be designed
and/or be programmable to display as much information as desired. For
instance, the resource monitoring device can be programmable to enable a
user to input information regarding one or more information types (e.g.,
type of said resource consuming device [refrigerator, oven, wall plug,
switch, circuit breaker, etc.], location of the resource consuming device
[e.g., garage, basement, living room apartment 4A, etc.], model of the
resource consuming device, date information, time information, resource
rate information, Energy Star information about the resource consuming
device, operating times of the resource consuming device, proper
operating parameters of the resource consuming device, etc.). The
resource monitoring device programmable by one or more arrangements such
as, but not limited to, connecting an information or database to the
resource monitoring device (e.g., flash drive, memory card, etc.), manual
programming of the resource monitoring device (e.g., user input on a
display of resource monitoring device, selection of buttons on resource
monitoring device, etc.), and/or remote programming of the resource
monitoring device by enter information at one or more remote monitoring
locations and have such information transmitted to the resource
monitoring device. When information is to be fed from one or more
resource monitoring devices to one or more remote monitoring locations,
the information can be fed wirelessly, by wire and/or cable, manually
downloaded from a resource monitoring device and then uploaded to one or
more central monitoring locations, and/or manually inputted. In one
non-limiting arrangement, information from and/or to one or more resource
monitoring devices is fed wirelessly and/or by wire and/or cable to one
or more remote monitoring locations (e.g., desktop computer, laptop
computer, server, etc.) wherein the received data can be stored and/or
processed by one or more software programs to provide various types of
information (e.g., real time resource usage information, periodic
resource usage information, historical resource usage information,
projected resource usage information, resource usage cost, historical
resource usage cost, projected resource usage cost, Energy Star
compliance, proper/improper resource consumption, etc.). In one
non-limiting arrangement, information to and/or from one or more resource
monitoring devices can be transmitted via the existing electrical wires
of a house or building. In such an arrangement, a signal transmitted at a
special frequency can be sent via the existing wiring of a home, thus no
additional wiring is required to connect one or more resource monitoring
devices to a one or more remote monitoring locations. Special security
protocols can be used to verify signals sent between the one or more
resource monitoring devices and/or the one or more remote monitoring
locations. One or more software programs that are located in the one or
more resource monitoring devices and/or the one or more remote monitoring
locations can be used to provide resource consumption information of the
single and/or multiple resource consuming devices. The resource
monitoring system (e.g., resource monitoring device, remote monitoring
location, etc.) can be packaged with additional services and/or
additional services can later be obtained for use with the resource
monitoring system. Such services can include, but are not limited to,
resource cost information, Energy Star compliance, information on various
resource consuming devices, information on laws and/or regulations that
pertain to a consumable resource and/or resource consuming device,
suggestions for future purchase of resource consuming devices, software
updates, etc.

[0021] In another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a resource monitoring system that can be used in a
pre-existing building and which requires little, if any additional
wiring. In many preexisting structures, it can be difficult, expense
and/or undesirable to install wiring to connect multiple resource
monitoring devices in various locations in a structure so that such
resource monitoring devices can be connected with and/or communication
with a remote resource monitoring location. In one non-limiting
embodiment, one or more resource monitoring devices include wireless
communication (e.g., Bluetooth, RF, IEEE 802.11, etc.) to enable one or
more resource monitoring device to communication with one another and/or
with one or more remote monitoring locations. In such an arrangement,
non-professional installation can be done by a user to create a basic,
intermediate or advance resource monitoring system in a structure without
need for expense and time consuming wiring in the structure. In another
and/or alternative arrangement, one or more resource consuming devices
can be plugged into a standard plug or screwed into a standard light
socket and can use the wiring for the plug, light socket, etc. as a
communication line between one or more resource monitoring devices and/or
one or more remote monitoring locations. In such an arrangement,
additional wiring in a structure would not be required to create a basic,
intermediate or advanced resource monitoring system. A special
communication device may be required to connect to the electrical system
of a structure to differentiate signal from one or more resource
monitoring devices and standard noise in the electrical system. Special
electronics may also be required in the resource monitoring device to
correctly identify signals between two or more resource monitoring
devices and/or one or more remote resource monitoring locations.

[0022] In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a resource monitoring system that includes
one or more non-modular resource monitoring devices such as one or more
modified circuit breakers that are designed to be inserted in a circuit
breaker box for a structure. The modified circuit breaker can include
wireless communication, wire or cable connections and/or use the existing
electric wiring in the structure to communicate with one or more resource
monitoring devices.

[0023] It is one non-limiting object of the present invention to provide a
resource monitoring system that can provide information on and/or related
to the resource consumption of one or more resource consuming devices.

[0024] It is another and/or additional non-limiting object of the present
invention to provide a resource monitoring system that includes one or
more modular resource monitoring devices.

[0025] It is still another and/or additional non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a resource monitoring system that includes
one or more non-modular resource monitoring devices.

[0026] It is yet another and/or additional non-limiting object of the
present invention to provide a resource monitoring system that includes
one or more resource monitoring devices that communicate with one or more
remote resource monitoring locations.

[0027] These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to
those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments taken together with the
drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate several
non-limiting embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and
in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein;

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a refrigerator that includes a resource
monitoring device incorporated in the refrigerator;

[0032]FIG. 4 illustrates a non-limiting non-modular resource monitoring
device that is incorporated in a circuit breaker;

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a non-limiting resource monitoring system in
accordance with the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates the monitoring of resource consuming device
through the existing electric wiring of a structure; and,

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a non-limiting display from a computer of a
resource monitoring system.

NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the
purpose of illustrating non-limiting embodiments of the invention only
and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two
non-limiting configurations of a modular resource monitoring devices 10,
30 in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1,
resource monitoring device 10 is a generally small unit (e.g., wall
timer, etc.). The size of the resource monitoring device is non-limiting.
The resource monitoring device includes a plug 12 that is designed to be
inserted in a standard wall outlet. Plug 12 is generally used to power
the components in the resource monitoring device; however, the resource
monitoring device can include a battery power supply or some other
alternate power supply; however, this is not required. As illustrated in
FIG. 1, the resource monitoring device includes a battery cover 14 that
can be removed to insert or remove a battery from the resource monitoring
device. The resource monitoring device also includes one or more buttons
16, 18, 20, 22 that enables a user to access information from the
resource monitoring device and/or to program the resource monitoring
device. The display can be a touch display that can also or alternatively
be used to access and/or program and/or configure one or more features of
the resource monitoring device. The resource monitoring device also
includes a plug receptacle 24 that enables an electric resource consuming
device to be plugged into the resource monitoring device. The resource
monitoring device can include more than one plug receptacle 24; however,
this is not required. The resource monitoring device also includes a
display 26 that can be used to view one or more features of the resource
monitoring device (e.g., energy consumption, time of use, estimate cost
of use, etc.) and/or to enable a user to program and/or modify one or
more features of the resource monitoring device (e.g., setup wireless
communication, setup time and date, input information about resource
monitoring device, connect device to one or more other devices and/or one
or more remote monitoring locations, etc.).

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates another modular resource monitoring device 30.
This modular device includes a plug 32 and plug receptacle 34. The
modular resource monitoring device is a similar configuration in that the
modular resource monitoring device does not include a display. The
modular resource monitoring device includes a removable pin 36 that can
be inserted into one or more pin holes 38. The pins can be used to
program the modular resource monitoring device, activate/deactivate one
or more features of the modular resource monitoring device, and/or keep
track of time, etc.

[0038] The resource monitoring device is not limited to a modular resource
monitoring device. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the resource monitoring
device is incorporated in a refrigerator 40. A panel 42 is incorporated
in the refrigerator that allows the use to access the resource monitoring
device. The resource monitoring device includes a display panel 44 and
two user buttons 46, 48. As can be appreciated, the resource monitoring
device can include more or less displays and/or buttons. The one or more
buttons enable a user to access information from the resource monitoring
device and/or to program and/or to configure the resource monitoring
device. The display can be a touch display that can also or alternatively
be used to access and/or program and/or configure one or more features of
the resource monitoring device. The resource monitoring device is a
non-modular resource monitoring device since it is incorporated into the
refrigerator.

[0039] As can be appreciated, when refrigerator 40 or any other electric
appliance or electricity consuming device does not include a resource
monitoring device, the resource monitoring device illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2 can be used with refrigerator 40 or any other electric appliance or
electricity consuming device.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a circuit breaker
that is designed to be inserted in a circuit breaker box 50. The circuit
breaker includes a breaker switch 52, a display 54, a user button 56, and
a communication port 58. Wires 60, 62, 64 are connected to the circuit
breaker. The display can be used to display any type of information
desired by the user. The one or more buttons enable a user to access
information from the resource monitoring device and/or to program and/or
to configure the resource monitoring device. The display can be a touch
display that can also or alternatively be used to access and/or program
and/or configure one or more features of the resource monitoring device.
The communication port can be used to connect the resource monitoring to
one or more other resource monitoring devices and/or one or more remote
monitoring locations (e.g., computer, cellular phone, Ipod, internet,
etc.). As can be appreciated, the resource monitoring devices disclosed
in FIGS. 1-3 may also include one or more communication ports; however,
this is not required.

[0041] As can be appreciated, the shape of the resource monitoring devices
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is non-limiting. Also, the number of buttons,
displays, and communication ports on the resource monitoring devices
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is non-limiting. The resource monitoring devices
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 can include wireless communication for
connecting to one or more other resource monitoring devices and/or one or
more remote monitoring locations; however, this is not required. The
resource monitoring devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 can include one or
more wire or cable communications for connecting to one or more other
resource monitoring devices and/or one or more remote monitoring
locations; however, this is not required. The resource monitoring devices
illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 can include electronics to connect with one or
more other resource monitoring devices and/or one or more remote
monitoring locations via the existing wiring of a structure; however,
this is not required. When the resource monitoring device has more than
one plug receptacles, the resource monitoring device can include
electronics to differentiate between the resources consumed through each
of the plug receptacles; however, this is not required.

[0042] The resource monitoring devices illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 are for
electricity consuming devices. As can be appreciated, the resource
monitoring devices can be designed for fluid resource monitoring. In such
a design, the plug and plug receptacles can be substituted for a threaded
opening that can accept a standard hose or other threaded connection. The
features of the fluid resource monitoring device can be similar to the
features discussed above with regard to the resource monitoring device
for electricity consuming devices.

[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the resource monitoring system can
be deigned to be connected wirelessly with one or more resource
monitoring devices that are monitoring one or more resource consuming
devices. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a plurality of resource monitoring
devices is being used to monitor resource consumption from devices in a
structure such as a home. Several non-limiting resource consuming devices
are illustrated such as one or more TVs, a furnace, a stove, a
dishwasher, an air conditioner, and a clothes dryer. The furnace and/or
stove may consume only electricity or may consume both electricity and a
fluid such as natural gas, propane, kerosene, etc. If the furnace only
includes electricity, then a single resource consuming device can be
used. If the furnace and/or stove consume both electricity and a fluid,
then two or more resource consuming devices can be used to monitor the
resources being consumed by the furnace and/or stove. The dishwasher
typically consumes both electricity and water. As such, two or more
resource consuming devices can be used to monitor the resources being
consumed by the dishwasher. The air conditioner and/or furnace may
include a humidifier. As such, an additional resource consuming devices
can be used to monitor the resources being consumed by the humidifier.
The clothes dryer may use electricity and/or gas. As such, one or more
resource consuming devices can be used to monitor the resources being
consumed by the clothes dryer. One or more circuit breakers can
incorporate a resource monitoring device so that electrical energy that
passes through the circuit breaker can be monitored. Different circuit
breakers are generally used to supply electric power to various regions
of a structure (e.g., family room lights, kitchen lights, master bedroom
wall plugs, etc.) and various major appliances (e.g., kitchen oven,
washroom dryer, etc.) or to major power consuming devices (e.g., central
air conditioner, floor heaters, etc.). The use of a resource monitor
device in a circuit breaker can be used to conveniently monitor certain
types of energy consuming devices that may be difficult to individually
monitor (e.g., air conditioner, oven furnace, sump pump, etc.). Larger
energy consuming devices are typically placed on a single circuit, thus
the monitoring of the energy consumption though the circuit is equivalent
to monitoring the energy consumption of the larger energy consuming
device. Regions in a structure (e.g., bedroom, family room, etc.) are
also typically placed on one or more individual circuits, thus the thus
the monitoring of the energy consumption though the circuit is equivalent
to monitoring the energy consumption in such regions. A resource monitor
device can also be incorporated into a power strip, surge protector,
and/or extension cord. Power strips, surge protectors, and extension
cords are commonly used for electronic and AV equipment. Power strips,
surge protectors, and extension cords are also used for other electricity
consuming devices. One or more resource monitoring devices can be
included in a power strip, surge protector, and/or extension cord. If
more than one resource monitoring device is incorporated into a power
strip, surge protector, and/or extension cord, each plug receptacle in
the power strip, surge protector, and/or extension cord can be monitored;
however, this is not required.

[0044] Referring again to FIG. 5, all of the resource monitoring devices,
modular and/or non-modular devices, are illustrated as wirelessly
communicating with a remote monitoring location such as desktop computer
70. As can be appreciated, the remote monitoring location can also or
alternatively include other devices such as, but not limited to, cellular
phone, IPod, internet, IPad, ITouch, blackberry, laptop computer, tablet,
etc.). As can also be appreciated, the one or more of the resource
monitoring devices can communication with one than one remote monitoring
location. As can be appreciated, one or more of the resource monitoring
devices can also or alternately communicate with computer 70 via a wire
or cable connection. The computer can be loaded with a variety of
circuits, software, etc. designed to receive information from the one or
more resource monitoring devices, process information received from the
one or more resource monitoring devices, and/or send information to the
one or more resource monitoring devices. The computer in FIG. 5 is
illustrated as also being connected to the internet so that the computer
can access information such as, but not limited to, utility rate, energy
prices, energy ratings for resource consuming devices, quality ratings
for resource consuming devices, recall and/or repair information for
resource consuming devices, proper settings for resource consuming
devices, suggested alternatives for resource consuming devices, etc. This
information can be processed by the hardware and/or software in the
computer to provide a user with 1) real-time resource consumption by one
or more resource consuming devices, 2) resource consumption by one or
more resource consuming devices over certain periods of time, 3)
comparison information between two or more resource consuming devices, 4)
comparison information between a resource consuming device and published
information regarding the resource consuming device, 5) suggested
settings and/or usage times for one or more resource consuming devices to
modify resource consumption during a certain time period and/or over a
period of time, 6) resource consumption profiles for one or more resource
consuming devices that can be used to predict future resource
consumption, create a resource consumption plan for a certain period of
time, compare actual resource consumption to predicted or planned
resource consumption, etc., 7) determine state of Energy Star compliance
of one or more resource consuming devices, and/or 8) determine whether
one or more resource consuming devices is properly functioning, properly
in use, being used to much, beginning to fail and/or has failed. The
computer can also be connected to and/or is able to be connected to other
portable devices (e.g., IPod, cellular phone, VPN or remote desktop from
another computer, etc.) of a user so that the user can a) access
information from the computer, b) control the computer regarding the
resource monitoring system and/or c) receive warnings and/or updates
about one or more resource consuming devices; however, this is not
required. The computer can be automatically or manually be connected to a
private monitoring service, utility company, and/or other internet
locations (e.g., GE website, Maytag website, etc.) so that additional
services can be accessed by a user and/or process by the computer (e.g.,
pay utility bills, obtain utility billing history, monitor and/or report
proper and/or abnormal resource consumption by one or more resource
consuming devices, obtain product information about one or more resource
consuming devices and/or substitutes or alternatives to one or more
resource consuming devices, determine Energy Star compliance, etc.). As
can be appreciated, computer can be designed and configured to provide
any type of information about one or more resource consuming devices.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates a non-limiting screen shot from computer 70.
This screen shot illustrates that a user can select resource consumption
information by selected resource consuming devices or by all resource
consuming devices. Also, the chart selector allows the user to monitor
the type of resource being consumed. The chart selector illustrates
selections primarily for electricity consumption; however, selections for
fluid consumption (e.g., gpm, Ccf, etc.). The screen shot illustrated
that a graph can be generated for the user to view resource consumption
by one or more resource consuming devices over a certain period of time.
As can be appreciated, other or additional types of graphs can be
displayed. As also can be appreciated, multiple graphs can be displayed
to compare resource consumption between two or more resource consuming
devices, between one or more resource consuming devices and predicted
resource consumption, between one or more resource consuming devices and
desired resource consumption, between one or more resource consuming
devices and published resource consumption, etc. The screen shot also
illustrates a button to obtain resource rates. Such rates can be average
rates, peak rates, future rates, etc. The rate button may enable a user
to access rate information from multiple providers to enable a user to
change providers. The screen shot also includes cost information for
resource consumption and amounts paid for such resource consumption over
certain periods of time. As can be appreciated other or alternative
information can be displayed on one or more screen shots. The computer
software can also be designed to allow a user to customize one or more
screen shots. The computer software can also be designed to automatically
search and/or input information regarding one or more resource monitoring
devices that are in communication with the computer.

[0046] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a TV 80 that includes
a resource monitoring device, which TV is plugged into a standard wall
outlet 90. As can be appreciated, the TV could be plugged into a modular
resource monitoring device as illustrate din FIGS. 1 and 2, and the
modular resource monitoring device is plugged into a standard wall outlet
90. FIG. 6 also illustrated a signal converter 100 plugged into another
standard wall outlet 110. Wall outlets 90, 110 are illustrated as being
electrically connected. The resource monitoring device is designed to
send signals to and/or receive signals from signal converter 100 via the
electrical wiring for wall outlets 90, 110. In this configuration,
additional wiring is not required to enable the resource monitoring
device to communicate with signal converter 100. As such, a preexisting
house or structure does not require new cables or wiring to enable one or
more resource monitoring device to communicate with signal converter 100.
When the circuit breaker box 120 includes one or more resource monitoring
devices in the one or more circuit breakers, such one or more resource
monitoring devices can also communicate with signal converter 100 via the
electrical wiring. Signal converter 100 is connected to computer 70 by a
wire or cable and/or wirelessly. The operation of computer 70 in FIG. 6
can be the same or similar to the operation of computer 70 discussed
above in FIG. 5.

[0047] Set forth below are four (4) configures for a resource monitoring
system in a Guest bedroom of a home. RCD is an abbreviation for resource
consuming device and RMD is an abbreviation for a resource monitoring
device. The examples are non-limiting and are organized from a more
complex system (EX 1) to a less complex system (EX 4). As can be
appreciated, many other configurations can be used.

[0048] As illustrated above, a bedroom can contain various RCDs.
Non-limiting RCDs are set forth above in the left hand column. As can be
appreciated, the bedroom can contain a fewer number or greater number of
RCDs. As also set forth above, all of the RCDs or a selected number of
RCDs can be monitored. A further set forth above, one or more RCDs can be
monitored by the same or different type of RMD. Also, one or more RCDs
can be monitored by one or more RMDs. The first configuration of EX 1
illustrates that several non-modular RMDs are incorporated in the wall
plugs, light switches, audio panel, smoke detector and circuit breakers.
The wall plugs each include two plug inlets also include circuitry to
individually monitor electricity consumption through each plug inlet so
that each RCD plugged into the wall plug can be individually monitored;
however, this is not required.

[0049] The configuration in EX 1 monitors all electricity consumption in
the Guest Bedroom for each RCD via non-modular RMDs. Also, the circuit
breakers provide verification for several of the individual RMS. For
instance, the sum of electrical energy consumed via all of the switches
and audio panel control should be equal to the electrical energy
consumption reported by circuit breaker 1.

[0050] The configuration in EX 2 is less complex than the configuration in
EX 1. The configuration in EX 2 is similar to EX 1 except that there are
no RMDs in the circuit breakers for the Guest Bedroom. Similar to the
configuration of EX 1, the configuration can be used to individually
monitor the electricity consumption of all of the RCDs in the Guest
Bedroom.

[0051] The configuration in EX 3 is less complex than the configuration in
EX 1 and EX 2. In EX 3, the RCDs that are designed to be plugged into the
wall plug are all plugged into a modular RMD which in turn is plugged
into the wall plug. The individual electrical energy consumption from the
lights switches, audio control panel and smoke detector are not
monitored. However, the total energy consumption in the Guest Bedroom is
monitored via the RMDs in the circuit breakers. As such the electrical
energy consumption for the smoke detectors can be determined by taking
the electrical energy consumption reported by circuit breaker 2 and
subtracting the electrical energy consumption reported by the RMDs that
are plugged into wall plugs 1-4. Circuit breaker 1 provides the total
electrical energy consumption from the switches and the audio control
panel.

[0052] The configuration in EX 4 is less complex than the configuration in
EX 1, EX 2 and EX 3. The configuration in EX 4 is similar to the
configuration of EX 3 except that there are no RMDs in the circuit
breakers. As such the configuration of EX 4 only monitors electrical
energy consumption from the RCDs that are designed to be plugged into a
wall plug. The configuration of EX 4 is very simply and most users can
install such a monitoring system with expert assistance.

[0053] In each of the examples above, one or more of the RMDs can 1)
communicate wirelessly with one or more remote monitoring locations as
illustrated in FIG. 5, 2) communicated with one or more remote monitoring
locations via the existing electrical wiring for the home as illustrated
in FIG. 6, and/or 3) communicated with one or more remote monitoring
locations via custom cable and/or wiring connections. More than one
remote monitoring location can exist in the home. The user may have one
or more computers in the home to monitor one or more RMDs in the home.
The home can include one or more wall panels to provide a user
information on resource being consumed in one or more locations in the
home. As previously mention above, a remote monitoring location can also
include a mobile device such as a cell phone or IPad, and/or the
information about the RMDs can be transmitted to the internet such that
information can be obtain by the user via any device that can connect to
the internet.

[0054] Set forth below are four (4) configures for a resource monitoring
system in a Guest bathroom of a home. The examples are non-limiting and
are organized from a more complex system (EX 1) to a less complex system
(EX 4). As can be appreciated, many other configurations can be used.

[0055] The configurations for the Guest Bathroom can be more complex due
to the additional types of resources that can be potentially monitored.
The configurations of EX 1 and EX 2 illustrate a monitoring system that
can be used to monitor all of the resources consumed in the Guest
Bathroom via non-modular RCDs for electricity consumption. Modular RMDs
can be used to monitor the water and gas consumption in the Guest
Bathroom; however, this is not required. The configuration of EX 3
monitors the RCDs that are designed to be plugged into the wall plug via
modular RMDs. The other electricity consuming devices in the Guest
Bathroom are not individually monitored; however, total electricity
consumption is monitored via the RMDs in the circuit breakers. The amount
of water and gas used in the Guest Bathroom specifically monitored;
however, total gas and water consumption for the home is monitored. The
configuration of Ex 4 only monitors the RCDs that are designed to be
plugged into the wall plug via modular RMDs. All other resource consuming
devices in the Guest Bathroom are not monitored. The configuration of EX
4 is very simply and most users can install such a monitoring system with
expert assistance.

[0056] In each of the examples above, one or more of the RMDs can 1)
communicate wirelessly with one or more remote monitoring locations as
illustrated in FIG. 5, 2) communicated with one or more remote monitoring
locations via the existing electrical wiring for the home as illustrated
in FIG. 6, and/or 3) communicated with one or more remote monitoring
locations via custom cable and/or wiring connections. More than one
remote monitoring location can exist in the home. The user may have one
or more computers in the home to monitor one or more RMDs in the home.
The home can include one or more wall panels to provide a user
information on resource being consumed in one or more locations in the
home. As previously mention above, a remote monitoring location can also
include a mobile device such as a cell phone or IPad, and/or the
information about the RMDs can be transmitted to the internet such that
information can be obtain by the user via any device that can connect to
the internet.

[0057] The invention has been described with reference to the preferred
embodiments. These and other modifications of the preferred embodiments
as well as other embodiments of the invention will be obvious from the
disclosure herein, whereby the foregoing descriptive matter is to be
interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a
limitation. It is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.